Description
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a bold, smoky, and tangy dish perfect for summer grilling. Juicy chicken is infused with Cajun spices and paired with a creamy, zesty white barbecue sauce for an irresistible Southern favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6–8 chicken thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, white pepper, and cumin.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then coat evenly with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Rub the spice mixture generously onto the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Make the Alabama White Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side (or until internal temperature reaches 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Drizzle Alabama White Sauce over the grilled chicken or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
- Pair with your favorite Southern sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, or baked beans.
Notes
- Baked Option: Bake the seasoned chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
- Smoked Chicken: Smoke the chicken at 250°F for 2 hours for deeper smoky flavor.
- Spicy White Sauce: Increase the cayenne and add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the Alabama White Sauce.
- Bone-In Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks for extra juiciness, increasing the grilling time by 5-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- marinate time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern, cajun
Keywords: Cajun grilled chicken, Alabama white sauce, Southern BBQ, spicy grilled chicken, summer grilling recipe